Nicholas Scott never imagined that the first ballot he would cast when he turned 18 years old would have his father's name on it.

The Cumberland Valley High School senior is celebrating his birthday today — Election Day — and with that comes the distinct excitement of voting for his father, George Scott, a Democrat going head to head with three-term incumbent U.S. Rep. Scott Perry for the newly drawn 10th Congressional District seat.

Growing up, Nicholas said he never particularly paid attention to politics. He tried to stay up to date with the issues and familiarize himself with what was going in the world, but like most teenagers, he said he didn't think his opinion really mattered.

"This whole experience has been enlightening — it's been a political awakening in a way," Nicholas said. "You grow up seeing campaign posters and commercials, but then your dad's at the center of them. The guy you sit across from at the kitchen table in the morning is out there making a real difference."

It's given him the perspective to speak with other young voters and encourage them to also get engaged in politics. At school, he finds himself leading conversations with his peers, exposing them to the issues he once also was blind to.

Nicholas was one the first people Scott told he was considering running for election. The candidate wanted to be sure his family was one board with the decision, recognizing the affect it would have on them, win or lose.

"He sat me down and asked if I would be OK with it," Nicholas said. "My dad's been supporting me all my life, and I knew that when he asked me I was going to support him. It's my chance to return the favor."

STORY CONTINUES BELOW VIDEO.

CLOSE

Terry Madonna, a pollster and political scientist in Pennsylvania, analyzes a U.S. House race
Paul Kuehnel, York Daily Record

Over the summer, Nicholas jumped at the chance to get involved in the race. He accompanied his father on the campaign trail, driving him from place to place, and trying to soak up as much knowledge as he could. He was known as the "body man" and his duties included taking notes during events, collecting business cards, and keeping things on schedule.

Watching his father's platform evolve, Nicholas gained insight into what issues the people of his district were facing. He found that his beliefs often aligned with those of his Democratic father, and he admires the way his father prioritizes social issues when focusing on the changes that need to be made in congress.

It's even made him think about running for office one day — "but that's a long ways away," Nicholas said with a laugh.

"My dad always stressed the importance of being empathetic to those in need," Nicholas said. "And that's sort of how he's now running his campaign — you can see that through his platform. He wants everybody to have access to good, affordable healthcare. He wants to raise the minimum wage so not as many people have to struggle."

Nicholas said Scott has always been a problem solver. He said his father's devotion to bipartisanship shows that Scott understands the importance of listening to others and will listen to his constituents if elected.

"My dad has said it himself several times," Nicholas said. "It's about a return to civility. People want a government that’s willing to compromise and focus on their needs, and my dad is the best person to do that."

Posted!

A link has been posted to your Facebook feed.

Buy Photo

U.S. Rep. Scott Perry, R-York County, left, and Democratic challenger George Scott, listen to introductions prior to a debate at the Country Club of York on Wednesday. They spoke at a meeting of the Rotary Club of York. The 10th Congressional District boundaries encompass the cities of Harrisburg and York. The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania redrew the district in 2018 after ruling the previous map unconstitutional. Ty Lohr, York Daily Record

U.S. Rep. Scott Perry, R-York County, speaks during a debate with Democratic challenger George Scott at the Country Club of York on Wednesday. They spoke at a meeting of the Rotary Club of York. The 10th Congressional District boundaries encompass the cities of Harrisburg and York. The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania redrew the district in 2018 after ruling the previous map unconstitutional. Ty Lohr, York Daily Record

Democratic challenger George Scott speaks during a debate with U.S. Rep. Scott Perry, R-York County, at the Country Club of York on Wednesday. They spoke at a meeting of the Rotary Club of York. The 10th Congressional District boundaries encompass the cities of Harrisburg and York. The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania redrew the district in 2018 after ruling the previous map unconstitutional. Ty Lohr, York Daily Record

U.S. Rep. Scott Perry, R-York County, left, checks his notes during a debate with Democratic challenger George Scott at the Country Club of York on Wednesday. They spoke at a meeting of the Rotary Club of York. The 10th Congressional District boundaries encompass the cities of Harrisburg and York. The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania redrew the district in 2018 after ruling the previous map unconstitutional. Ty Lohr, York Daily Record

U.S. Rep. Scott Perry, R-York County, speaks during a debate with Democratic challenger George Scott at the Country Club of York on Wednesday. They spoke at a meeting of the Rotary Club of York. The 10th Congressional District boundaries encompass the cities of Harrisburg and York. The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania redrew the district in 2018 after ruling the previous map unconstitutional. Ty Lohr, York Daily Record

Democratic challenger George Scott speaks during a debate against U.S. Rep. Scott Perry, R-York County, at the Country Club of York on Wednesday. They spoke at a meeting of the Rotary Club of York. The 10th Congressional District boundaries encompass the cities of Harrisburg and York. The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania redrew the district in 2018 after ruling the previous map unconstitutional. Ty Lohr, York Daily Record

U.S. Rep. Scott Perry, R-York County, speaks during a debate with Democratic challenger George Scott at the Country Club of York on Wednesday, September 19, 2018. The 10th Congressional District boundaries encompass the cities of Harrisburg and York. The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania redrew the district in 2018 after ruling the previous map unconstitutional. Ty Lohr, York Daily Record

U.S. Rep. Scott Perry, R-York County, looks on as Democratic challenger George Scott, right, speaks during a debate at the Country Club of York during a Rotary Club of York meeting. Ty Lohr, York Daily Record

U.S. Rep. Scott Perry, R-York County, speaks during a debate with Democratic challenger George Scott at the Country Club of York on Wednesday. The 10th Congressional District boundaries encompass the cities of Harrisburg and York. The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania redrew the district in 2018 after ruling the previous map unconstitutional. Ty Lohr, York Daily Record

U.S. Rep. Scott Perry, R-York County, laughs during a light moment during a debate with Democratic challenger George Scott at the Country Club of York on Wednesday. The 10th Congressional District boundaries encompass the cities of Harrisburg and York. The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania redrew the district in 2018 after ruling the previous map unconstitutional. Ty Lohr, York Daily Record

U.S. Rep. Scott Perry, R-York County, left, speaks during a debate with Democratic challenger George Scott at the Country Club of York on Wednesday. The two will compete in the Nov. 6 election for the newly created 10th Congressional District. 2-Ty Lohr, York Daily Record

U.S. Rep. Scott Perry, R-York County, left, holds up the U.S. Constitution during a debate with Democratic challenger George Scott, right, at the Country Club of York on Wednesday. They spoke before the Rotary Club of York. The incumbent and challenger are competing for the new 10th Congressional District, whose boundaries encompass the cities of Harrisburg and York. Ty Lohr, York Daily Record

U.S. Rep. Scott Perry, R-York County, left, speaks during a debate with Democratic challenger George Scott at the Country Club of York on Wednesday. The 10th Congressional District boundaries encompass the cities of Harrisburg and York. The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania redrew the district in 2018 after ruling the previous map unconstitutional. Ty Lohr, York Daily Record

U.S. Rep. Scott Perry, R-York County, left, speaks during a debate with Democratic challenger George Scott at the Country Club of York on Wednesday. The 10th Congressional District boundaries encompass the cities of Harrisburg and York. The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania redrew the district in 2018 after ruling the previous map unconstitutional. Ty Lohr, York Daily Record

U.S. Rep. Scott Perry, R-York County, left, and Democratic challenger George Scott applaud following a debate at the Country Club of York on Wednesday. The 10th Congressional District boundaries encompass the cities of Harrisburg and York. The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania redrew the district in 2018 after ruling the previous map unconstitutional. Ty Lohr, York Daily Record

Democratic challenger George Scott speaks with media following a debate with U.S. Rep. Scott Perry, R-York County, at the Country Club of York on Wednesday. The 10th Congressional District boundaries encompass the cities of Harrisburg and York. The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania redrew the district in 2018 after ruling the previous map unconstitutional. Ty Lohr, York Daily Record

U.S. Rep. Scott Perry, R-York County, speaks with members of the Rotary Club of York following a debate with Democratic challenger George Scott at the Country Club of York on Wednesday. The 10th Congressional District boundaries encompass the cities of Harrisburg and York. The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania redrew the district in 2018 after ruling the previous map unconstitutional. Ty Lohr, York Daily Record

U.S. Rep. Scott Perry, R-York County, speaks with media following a debate with Democratic challenger George Scott at the Country Club of York on Wednesday. The 10th Congressional District boundaries encompass the cities of Harrisburg and York. The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania redrew the district in 2018 after ruling the previous map unconstitutional. Ty Lohr, York Daily Record